Blackheads are one of the most common skin concerns that people deal with. It’s also the most common form of acne.
How do people deal with their blackheads, though? There are hundreds of different techniques and strategies that can be found online. Both the effectiveness and safety of these techniques vary greatly. Today we are going to discuss how to use toothpaste clear blackheads, the risks involved, and a few superior alternatives.
Table of Contents
What Causes Blackheads?
What exactly are blackheads, anyways? Blackheads are small, dark bumps that often appear on the face, especially on the nose and chin. Blackheads form when the pores become clogged, with a build-up of oil and bacteria. When the oil and dead skin cells are exposed to the air, they turn black, hence the name “blackheads”.
Blackheads are more likely to form on people with oily skin. When the pores on your face get clogged with oil and dead skin cells, they can turn into blackheads. But don’t worry, there are things you can do to prevent them! Here are a few tips:
- Wash your face twice a day with a gentle, blackhead-safe cleanser.
- Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells.
- Use an oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
- Avoid touching your face too much.
- Wash your pillowcase often.
Does Toothpaste Clear Blackheads Safely?
Toothpaste is a common household item that you (hopefully) have in your bathroom right now. Many people believe that toothpaste can help clear blackheads. It’s inexpensive and easy to find, so it’s no wonder that it’s a popular home remedy. But does toothpaste actually work to clear blackheads?
The short answer is: it depends. Toothpaste does contain some ingredients that can help remove excess oil, therefore reducing the appearance of blackheads. However, toothpaste can also be very drying and irritating to the skin. If you have sensitive skin, it is best to avoid using toothpaste to clear your blackheads. Typically your skin will be most sensitive on your face. If you use this method on another part of your body, like your inner thighs, the risk is likely minimal.
If you want to learn more about whether or not toothpaste can help clear fully formed acne breakouts vs blackheads see: Does Toothpaste Help Clear Pimples?
What Ingredients Are in Toothpaste?
Let’s talk about good ingredients first. There are several ingredients in toothpaste that help remove blackheads: baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and essential oils. Baking soda helps to exfoliate the skin and remove dirt and oil. Hydrogen peroxide acts as an antibacterial agent, helping to kill the bacteria that can cause blackheads. Essential oils help to unclog pores and dissolve sebum.
Now, let’s go in-depth on the ingredients that will do you more harm than good when it comes to removing blackheads with toothpaste. First of all, toothpaste has fluoride. This ingredient is added to toothpaste to help prevent cavities, but it can also dry out the skin and make it more difficult to remove blackheads. Another ingredient would be sulfates. These are added to toothpaste to create a foaming action, but they can also strip the skin of its natural oils, making the removal of blackheads harder. In addition, most toothpaste contains fragrance. Fragrances irritate skin and make it more difficult to remove blackheads.
So in summary, there are good and bad ingredients in toothpaste for blackhead removal. They might help you remove them, but at what cost?
How To Clear Blackheads with Toothpaste
If you’re going to take the risk of removing your blackheads with toothpaste, we want to make sure you do it correctly. Here are some good steps to follow when using toothpaste for blackhead removal.
- Wet your face with warm water to open up your pores.
- Apply a small amount of toothpaste to your fingertips and add a pinch of salt.
- Rub the mixture onto your blackheads in a circular motion for two minutes.
- Rinse your face with cold water to close your pores.
- Repeat this process once a week for the best results.
Adding a pinch of salt helps to remove dirt and oil from your pores. Combining it with toothpaste can help to prevent future breakouts and leave your skin looking and feeling refreshed.
How to Safely Remove Toothpaste from Skin
So now that you’ve removed your blackheads with toothpaste, how can you safely remove the toothpaste from your skin?
The first step is to wet a washcloth with warm water. Then, gently rub the wet washcloth over the area of your skin where the toothpaste is.
Next, use a mild soap to wash the area. Be sure to rinse the soap off completely.
Finally, pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Patting dry is key so that you don’t cause any harm or irritation to your face.
If you follow these steps, you should be able to safely remove toothpaste from your skin after blackhead removal.
How to Prevent Blackheads
There are a few ways you can prevent getting more blackheads. This includes both products you can use, as well as some lifestyle changes that will help.
Diet Changes
You are what you eat, and that includes your skin! What you put into your body has a direct impact on the health of your skin, and that includes the formation of blackheads.
Certain foods can cause an increase in sebum production, which can lead to clogged pores and the formation of blackheads. Foods that are high in fat and sugar are the biggest culprits, so it’s important to limit your intake of these if you’re prone to blackheads.
Likewise, eating a diet that’s rich in antioxidants can help to keep blackheads at bay. Antioxidants help to fight free radicals, which can damage skin cells and lead to the formation of blackheads. So, make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet to reap the benefits.
Choose What You Drink Wisely
Alcohol can increase oil production in the skin, which may lead to clogged pores and blackheads. Alcohol can also irritate the skin, making it more susceptible to breakouts. So, if you’re struggling with blackheads, it might be best to cut back on the booze.
You can also up your water intake. Water is essential for keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. After all, our bodies are made up of mostly water.
When your skin is properly hydrated, it’s less likely to produce excess oil. The “drink eight glasses of water per day” tip might seem cliche, but it is good advice. Drinking plenty of water will help to keep your skin clear and free of blackheads.
If you want to learn more about what you can do to prevent blackheads and breakouts, check out our Unmasking Acne guide for helpful tips on utilizing nutrition to clear your skin long-term.
